Refuges Perchés (Eco-laurentides): Trail Report

Refuges Perchés (Eco-laurentides): Trail Report

One word: TREEHOUSE. Like how fun is that right? I mean, so what if you’re a grown ass adult. The possibility of staying in a treehouse is still too much fun to pass up. So maybe you bring the kids, and maybe you don’t…staying at Refuges Perchés in parc eco-laurentides is a good spot for outdoor lovers to explore.

Suggested Stops

On rainy days with the kids, the welcome pavillion (reception building) was a godsend. Inside there are display, a naturalist onsite to answer questions, showers/washrooms, and a common room with games/books.

Important Insights

GPS tends to give misguided directions, follow the directions provided or double check with Refuge Perchee. Kindly note that you either having to canoe or use a wagon to carry your gear to the treehouse if you booked with them. Regardless, everyone must pay the entrance fee at the main parc gate.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

The trails at Réfuge Perchées are managed by parc éco laurentides.

GPS Coordinates

46.0456904332767, -74.47519621512005

Street Address

5000 Chem. du Lac Caribou, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré, QC J0T 1J2

Directions

2hr 30min drive from Ottawa. Autoroute 50 east and exit at Montebello, taking the 323 North. Route 117 to Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré, exit 107. At Mont-Blanc take Chemin des Lacs (11km) and turn right on Lac Caribou Road for 6 km.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Located at the Nature Centre

Accessibility

Yes (for a portion of the trail)

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

10

Hours of Operation

May 8 to October 12, 2020, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open only Fridays to Sundays, except from June 19 to September 7, open 7 days a week.

Trail Map

Available from parc éco laurentides.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

10

Total Distance (km)

36

Elevation Gain (m)

344

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Ecological Significance, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Nature Centre

Dogs

Permitted on-leash.

Trail Description

Le Panoramique Trail: It’s easily the “must do” trail of the park. The short 800m, yet completely bum burner of a steep trail leads up to a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. In the distance, you can even see Mont Tremblant. The trail is a well marked narrow dirt path, steady incline, with multiple wooden staircases. There is a covered bench to enjoy a little rest at the lookout. The trail ends at the lookout, and is best not to explore beyond that point to support the park’s efforts in promoting a bio diverse and thriving environment. Le Riverian Trail: The Riverian is a shorter 700m hike around the lake. The trail itself is family friendly and suitable for those with mild mobility challenges. It’s a mix of both wide dirt path and boardwalk sections. Le Tour-du-lac Trail: It was a drizzly afternoon when we decided to hike around the lake following the tour-du-lac trail. It’s a 4.7km loop that offers multiple lookout points. The path is narrow in sections, with a few boardwalks. The wooden walkways tend to be slippery in damp conditions. Plenty of flora to explore along the way, nothing but wildflowers and mushrooms. Lac du Cordon: Sooooo there are two options to get to your tree house in the summer months – you can either hike it in (carts available) or canoe in! Canoes are available to rent and a great way to explore the lake. The lake itself is ridiculously clear, and perfect for swimming!

Other Hiking Trails